PhD contract (M/F) : Design and synthesis of nano-structured polymers for doped electronics

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This PhD (M/F) project aims to develop thin semiconducting polymer films with macromolecular chains that are aligned and structured into alternating flexible and rigid regions at the sub-micrometer scale.
The goal is to achieve precise control over the swelling of polymer channels, thereby enhancing the performance of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and advancing bioelectronic technologies for healthcare applications.

The PhD candidate (M/F) will be responsible for synthesizing semiconducting polymers with functionalized side chains maximizing volumetric ion capacity while preserving high electron mobility.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background and expertise in molecular and macromolecular chemistry (including organic and organometallic synthesis under inert atmospheres) as well as in physico-chemical characterization (e.g., macromolecular properties and optoelectronic properties of polymers).
Additionally, the candidate should be motivated to develop skills in spectroelectrochemistry, thin-film fabrication, and related techniques.

Your Work Environment

The project is supported by an experienced team and state-of-the-art infrastructure: ICPEES possesses all the necessary expertise, ranging from organic synthesis to microfabrication, including electrochemical characterisation.
The permanent team has developed over the past 20 years astrong expertise in the design and synthesis of organic semiconductor materials for optoelectronic applications (photovoltaics, transistors, thermoelectricity, OLED, …).
The emergence of doped semiconductor materials for organic thermoelectric applications and organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) has driven us to innovate in the nature of side chains, in order to control the interaction between the conjugated backbone and the charged dopant or counterion in organic semiconducting. In addition, the PhD candidate (M/W) will benefit from the STELORG consortium expertise and dynamic (https://stelorg.unistra.fr/).

This PhD project is part of the MARBRE project, a single-team initiative funded by the ANR (French National Research Agency) under its 2026 call for proposals.
The funding supports research into doped semiconductor materials, a field in which ICPEES has recently gained international recognition.
The project aims to explore new research avenues, further consolidating the team's leadership in this cutting-edge domain.

Within this framework, two PhD students will be recruited to join the host team and work in parallel: one focusing on materials chemistry, and the other on the OECT elaboration.

The PhD student (M/F) will join the POLYFUN team at ICPEES.

Working conditions:
- Easy access to the Cronenbourg campus by public transport
- The CNRS may cover part of the cost of travel tickets
- Meals are available at a university canteen on the Cronenbourg campus, with the CNRS subsidising the cost

Affiliated Doctoral School 222 – Strasbourg

Constraints and risks

The project will take place in a chemistry laboratory and will involve the synthesis and characterisation of organic and organometallic chemicals.
The risks are therefore those associated with working in a chemistry laboratory and handling chemical compounds. These risks have been identified and are covered by a risk prevention plan at both the UMR and team levels. Furthermore, the collective and personal protective equipment required to manage these risks is available within the laboratory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions